Beyond the Table: Franck Raharinosy on Ping Pong, Purpose, and the Power of People
Some people you meet and instantly forget. Others, you meet and just know they will be a part of your story forever. I had the latter experience upon meeting Franck Raharinosy at his now-legendary SPiN Halloween party in New York. While I’d heard the lore of his infectious energy and infamous ping pong soirees, it was his palpable passion for making a positive dent in the universe that truly captivated me—a passion for inspiring others to simply be and do good.
Born in France and raised on the culturally rich Reunion Island near Madagascar, Franck arrived in New York in 1999 armed with little more than an open mind and a curious spirit. That curiosity has since blossomed into a multifaceted career and a life dedicated to connection and creation. I sat down with him to learn more about the inspirations and projects that fuel his unique journey.
Q: Franck, who or what are your greatest inspirations?
Franck: "People inspire me in general. Everyone has a story, something they’re dealing with, something to say. I am deeply inspired by those who contribute and make a real difference in our world—the people who take risks and think outside the box. Genuine, humble, kind, sensitive people... it just feels good to be around them.
Collaborating with talented, creative people is also a huge source of inspiration. I feel lucky to have some truly good ones in my life. Each interaction pushes me and gives me the energy to do more myself. And it’s not about fame; it’s never about that."
Q: What personal career highlights are you most proud of?
Franck: "My curiosity has led me to try many different things—event production, media, fashion, hospitality, writing, and films. In today’s world, it’s rare to create something truly new; an idea that’s social, that everyone can enjoy, and that actually pulls you away from your ‘too-smart-for-your-own-good, addictive’ phone.
Co-founding SPiN eight years ago with my best friend Jonathan Bricklin, Andrew Gordon, and Susan Sarandon is a huge point of pride. Seeing it grow with a dream team of passionate people who think of themselves as a family makes me extremely happy.
I’m also proud of self-publishing a book of inner monologues on Amazon under the pen name Fragadagadagada. Just putting it out there was an accomplishment. I simply love to create—whether it’s an event, a new business idea, a short story, or a film."
On A Life-Changing Trip to Nepal
Q: Tell us about your recent trip to Nepal and the nonprofit you were involved with.
Franck: "I’ve been on a personal journey this past year, wanting to grow and evolve without fear of the unknown. That requires deep, vulnerable work, being open to what the universe brings.
I had no Christmas plans when my friend Pushpa Basnet, founder of the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC), was in New York to receive her CNN Super Hero Award. I’d been helping her raise funds through events at SPiN. She invited me last minute to spend Christmas at her center with the kids. I didn’t hesitate for a second."
Q: What about their work impressed you the most?
Franck: "Pushpa is a very special woman—so young with an old soul. This was a calling for her. It started 11 years ago in college when, on an internship, she visited a jail and saw a little girl who made her realize her own fortune. She started the process to take children out of prison with their mothers' consent, providing them with a home, life, and education at the center.
She teaches the kids to be grateful for their parents, acknowledging that without them, they wouldn’t be who they are today, despite often heartbreaking circumstances. The kids are incredibly independent; they help each other and are constantly engaged in activities like music, yoga, sports, and meditation.
I loved living on their schedule—waking up early to cook, walking the little ones to school, and yes, teaching them to play ping-pong on their table! We took an excursion on the Chandragiri cable car; they were braver than me at that altitude! The view from the top, with a Hindu temple overlooking the Himalayas and Mount Everest, was breathtaking.
Nepal is a special country—beautiful, spiritual, and full of genuinely kind-hearted people. I’m already planning my next trip.
The center currently supports 40 children and needs funding to rescue 15 more. You can help sponsor a child at www.ecdcnepal.org.
On What's Next
Q: Any upcoming projects or a dream project you want to share?
Franck: "We’re opening new SPiN clubs in 2017. I’m also producing and acting in some films going into production soon. Last summer, we shot 'Black Magic For White Boys,' a feature directed by the talented Onur Tukel, where I played Fred, a guy who sells magical pills that solve all of life’s problems.
I’m also co-writing a screenplay with Edith Hagigi. The story is close to home, and I hope it will help others figure out their own paths in some way."
Some Final Thoughts
Q: Any favorite websites or social media handles?
Franck: "I’m trying to stay away from my devices as much as possible, but we all know how hard that is. Wouldn’t it be nice if we all took a break from our phones and talked to strangers on the street instead? No more Instagram, Facebook, or those silly dating apps..."
Q: Anything else you want to share?
Franck: "Hmm... let me get back to you on that."
Cover photo by Cristina Macaya.
